The Best Runs From This Year's Awesome Games Done Quick

Awesome Games Done Quick finished up yesterday after having raised an incredible $US1,212,581.32. The top donation received over the course of the event was a staggering $US18,255. Records were broken, minds were blown and games were done faster than you can imagine. If you missed out on the excitement, here are some of the best runs from AGDQ2016.

Crypt Of The Necrodancer (Coda Mode) by SpootyBiscuit, 0:18:48

Crypt of the Necrodancer's Coda mode was said by the developers of the game to be impossible for a human to beat at all. Only around 10 people have ever beaten the game with Coda, and SpootyBiscuit has done it live, in less than 20 minutes. This run was one of the standouts of AGDQ 2016 simply because of its incredible difficulty and great commentary. The run starts at 13:29 in the video above.

Stepmania by Staiain, Showcase

While Staiain's Stepmania run was a showcase rather than a speedrun, it certainly wasn't missing the 'speed' part of it. Stepmania is a DDR simulator, played with a keyboard rather than a footpad. This means that Stepmania players can complete insane maps that are beyond what would be possible with a regular footpad. If you want to see things get really crazy skip to about 16 minutes in to see some ridiculous note combos. You know things are getting intense when even the camera starts shaking.

Kaizo Mario Bros 3 by MitchFlowerPower, 0:34,29

We showcased this speedrun over the weekend, but it still deserves a spot in any top runs list. Kaizo Mario Bros 3 is punishingly hard: if you miss an item or a single jump, or even collect the wrong item, you'll have to start the level all over again. Watch MitchFlowerPower blitz it in the video above.

Many people have theorised that some of the opponents in Mike Tyson's Punch Out are formulaic enough that you could finish it with your eyes closed. Saying it and actually doing it are two very different things, however, but somehow both Sinister and Zallard have managed to complete it within two minutes of each other in this incredible race. The race starts at 15:25 in the video above.

While the 2P1C mode of play is intended to be a bit of fun more than any serious speedrunning, sweetnumb and oatsngoats still managed to break the world record for Super Metroid in this category. Super Metroid has always been one of those games with an intense speedrunning culture, and watching this dual run is no less fun than any solo attempt. The run starts at 15:10.

Battleblock Theater by MechaRichter and PJ, 1:39:57

MechaRichter and PJ take on Insane mode in Battleblock Theatre, with the game's narrator Stamper on the line and chatting with the runners. Battleblock is one of those games that's just fun to watch, and this run is definitely no exception. The run in the video above starts at 5:14.

Disney's Aladdin by JoeDamilio, 0:17:39

As a game that I loved (and found incredibly difficult) as a child, watching this is a mix of nostalgia and crazy respect. This run also has some great commentary, explaining the little tricks and exploits that Joe uses to beat the game super fast. Stick around at the end for some terrible yet amusing voice acting. The run starts at 1:32:00 in the video.

Another game from my childhood, this 4-player co-op is worth a watch if you've got a bit more time on your hands. The highlight of the run is definitely the 4 player 1 controller blindfolded boss battle against Majora right at the end (you can tune in from around 06:19 for that one), though the five-and-a-half hour long run is full of neat little tricks and ridiculous skills in Majora's Mask's numerous mini-games. The Majora's Mask run starts at 53:40.

Did we miss anything? What was your favourite run of AGDQ 2016? Let us know in the comments!

Comments

No mention of the one handed Transformers: Devastation run? The Secret of Mana 1 player 2 controller run was amazing to watch as well as the Super Mario World 0 exit run. I'd only seen that one done as a TAS before so to see humans do the precise actions necessary was very impressive.

You didn't include the Mario Kart 8 run just to say we had an Australian doing a speed run for us.
I don't know how to check how many australians were representing us, but it was great/cringe worthy hearing our accent on the world stage :) Yay for AeonFrodo!

The battletoads second stage (the hover bikes) blindfolded was cool, i couldn't get through that stage when i had my eyes open so seeing someone attempt it blind folded was good. Not quite successful but cool nevertheless.

The TASBOT does brain training was also very entertaining for the crowd and the viewers at home.

Triple AAA games nailing the brief. Indie games surprising people out of nowhere, and expansions and patches that completely turn a game around. It's been a good year for games - now it's time for you to vote for your favourite.